Page 582 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - MAY 2025 (Part 1)_Neat

5/27/25, 4:50 PM Third Edition of Investopia Europe kicks off in Milan advancing strategic partnerships and exploring opportunities in new economy, t…
11,000 Italian brands in the UAE

The UAE’s exports to Italy increased by 50 per cent in 2024 to total USD 1.2 billion compared to that of 2023.
Currently, there are nearly 11,000 Italian brands operating across various economic sectors in the UAE. As
for bilateral investments, the UAE’s investments in Italy reached around USD 81 million between 2019 and

2023, primarily in tourism, hospitality, transport, and logistics. Meanwhile, Italian FDI inflows into the UAE
reached approximately USD 519 million during the same period, reflecting the growing momentum of

economic and investment exchanges between the two sides.

Invitation to the Italian business community

H.E. Abdulla bin Touq invited the Italian business community to expand its investments in the UAE and
capitalize on the attractive incentives and advantages offered by the local business environment. These

include 100 per cent foreign ownership, the availability of more than 2,000 licensed economic activities, tax
incentives, long-term residency options for investors and entrepreneurs, a wide array of integrated and
sector-specific free zones, and a comprehensive legislative framework that encourages expansion in future

economic sectors.

His Excellency emphasized the UAE’s keenness to enhance dialogue between the private sectors of both

countries through dynamic platforms such as the UAE-Italy Business Council and the forthcoming Joint
Economic Committee.

H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, participated in a session on enhancing the
leadership role of SMEs on the global stage. She stated: “The UAE and Italy share a common vision for

business and startup development. SMEs currently account for 95 per cent of all businesses operating in the
UAE, while in Italy, small and family-owned enterprises represent a significant portion of the industrial sector.
This highlights our shared belief in the vital role SMEs play in driving sustainable economic development.”

Investopia Europe: A new platform supporting entrepreneurs

Her Excellency continued: “The UAE prioritizes the development of a comprehensive national
entrepreneurship ecosystem based on global best practices, recognizing its importance in diversifying the
national economy and fostering innovation across various vital sectors. Thanks to these efforts, our country

ranked first globally for the fourth consecutive year in the 2024/2025 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM)
Report, which recognized it as the world’s best environment for entrepreneurship and SMEs, out of 56

economies. The UAE is currently home to more than 50 public and private business incubators and
accelerators.”

Her Excellency added that Investopia Europe dialogues is a powerful new platform for engagement, bringing
together policymakers, entrepreneurs, and investors from both countries to shape future visions and
strategies for SME growth.

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